Missing influencer Stefanie Pieper discovered dead in forest, reportedly buried by her ex-partner.
Austrian Influencer Found Dead in Slovenian Forest; Ex-Boyfriend in Custody
Austrian beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper has been confirmed dead in a Slovenian forest, a discovery that follows her reported disappearance nearly a week prior. Authorities state that the grim revelation emerged after her ex-boyfriend allegedly advanced crucial information leading to the location where he buried her remains.
Pieper, a 31-year-old resident of Graz, had been unaccounted for since she failed to report to work last Sunday, prompting concern from her family and colleagues. According to the Styrian State Police, her loved ones contacted authorities after repeated attempts to reach her proved fruitless.
The investigation swiftly identified her ex-boyfriend, a 31-year-old Slovenian citizen residing in Graz, as a potential person of interest in her disappearance. The case took a significant turn on Monday when law enforcement discovered his burnt vehicle in the parking lot of a casino in Šentilj, near the Austria-Slovenia border, approximately an hour’s drive south of Graz. Police apprehended him nearby the smoldering vehicle and subsequently extradited him to Austria for further questioning.
Despite hours of interrogation, the suspect reportedly did not provide substantial details regarding Pieper’s whereabouts. Additionally, forensic examinations of his vehicle did not yield any evidence that could elucidate her fate.
On Saturday, authorities reported that the investigation took a decisive turn when the suspect confessed. This revelation directed police to Pieper’s remains in Slovenia. Reports by Kronen Zeitung indicate that the man led investigators to a wooded area, where he allegedly had disposed of her body in a suitcase after strangling her.
Complicating matters further, two other male relatives of the suspect were arrested this week; reports indicate that both men, identified as his brother and stepfather, face charges related to potential interference with the investigation.
The underlying circumstances leading to Pieper’s tragic death remain under investigation. A joint press conference, involving authorities from both Austria and Slovenia, is scheduled for Sunday morning, where further details are expected to be disclosed.
Stefanie Pieper was a notable figure in the beauty industry, being a makeup artist and singer with a reported following of over 47,000 on Instagram. Her untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the potential darkness that can lurk beneath public personas.
The investigation continues as authorities aim to unravel the full details of this unsettling case.
Media News Source
